Dual mechanical port machine(DMPM), as a novel electromechanical energy conversion device, has attracted widespread attention. DMPM with spoke type permanent magnet arrangements(STPM-DMPM), which is one of several types of DMPM, has been of interest recently. The unique coupling characteristics of STPM-DMPM are beneficial to improving system performance, but these same characteristics increase the difficulties of control. Now there has been little research about the control of STPM-DMPM, and this has hindered its practical application. Based on a mathematical model of STPM-DMPM, the coupling characteristics and the merits and demerits of such devices are analyzed as applied to a hybrid system. The control strategies for improving the disadvantages and for utilizing the advantage of coupling are researched. In order to weaken the interaction effect of torque outputs in the inner motor and the outer motor that results from coupling in STPM-DMPM, a decoupling control method based on equivalent current control is proposed, and independent torque control for the inner motor and outer motor is achieved. In order to solve address the problem of adequately utilization of coupling, minimizing the overall copper loss of the inner motor and the outer motor of STPM-DMPM is taken as the optimization objective for optimal control, and the purpose of utilizing the coupling adequately and reasonably is achieved. The verification tests of the proposed decoupling control and optimal control strategies are carried out on a prototype STPM-DMPM, and the experimental results show that the interaction effect of torque outputs in the inner motor and the outer motor can be markedly weakened through use of the control method. The overall copper loss of the inner motor and the outer motor can be markedly reduced through use of the optimal control method, while the power output remains unchanged. A breakthrough in the control problem of STPM-DMPM is accomplished by combining the control methods. Good performance in the control of STPM-DMPM will enhance its practicality, particularly as applied to hybrid systems.
